Tech

4 Ways to Recycle Your Old Gadgets

We all have unused and unwanted gadgets — cellphones from the days of yore, laptops long since rendered obsolete — and they usually end up just sitting at the bottom of a closet or in a seldom-opened drawer.

In fact, the average mobile customer already owns two unused cellphones, though only a small fraction of gadgets are actually recycled. Luckily, there are dozens of ways for you to help change that.

We put together this guide to recycling and otherwise responsibly disposing of your old gadgets. Whether you're looking to donate your cellphone to a non-profit or sell your iPad 2 for the latest version with a retina screen, you'll find an option that fits your situation.

1. Use Tech Company Recycling Programs

Most of the big tech companies have their own recycling programs, which are typically free and easy to recycle or trade in your unused tech responsibly. The list that follows is just a small sample — you can check the website of your specific gadget's brand for more information.

Note that some companies will even accept gadgets from different brands.

Apple Recycling Program: You can send your old Apple products back to the company for proper recycling. If they have any monetary value, Apple will apply it toward a gift card.

Best Buy Recycle: Best Buy will recycle just about any tech product, ranging from TVs and computer monitors to DVD players and video cables.

Canon Recycling Program: You can send Canon your old cameras, lenses, printers and other devices by selecting your specific product, and then you'll receive the special recycling label via email.

Dyson Recycle - WEEE: If you live in the U.K., Dyson will recycle your old vacuum cleaner for free when you buy a new one online. The company will pick up your old vacuum cleaner free of charge and recycle it.

LG Recycling Program: The website for LG's Recycling Program helps you find nearby drop-off sites and more information on how the company recycles your old tech.

Motorola Recycling: Motorola's take-back programs accept any mobile device or accessory, and some devices are refurbished for reuse in developing countries.

Nintendo Product Recycling: Because game systems aren't recycled very often, Nintendo tries to minimize waste with a free take-back program, and either refurbishes systems or recycles parts for new products.

HP Global Citizenship: HP allows you to trade in any product from any brand, recycle ink supplies and more.

Samsung Recycling Direct: As of May 2013, Samsung has collected 276,458,977 pounds of recycled products from its various locations, which you can search through on the website.

Sony EcoTrade: Sony accepts both Sony and non-Sony products (as long as they're eligible) and lets you trade them in for credit toward your next Sony purchases.

2. Donate to Non-Profits and Refurbishing Programs

While it's great to recycle parts, your old and unwanted gadgets can be incredibly useful to someone else. These non-profits and programs work to refurbish and deliver cellphones and other electronics to those in need.

Call2Recycle: Call2Recycle is a free program for collecting and recycling rechargeable batteries and cellphones in North America.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: Non-profit Cell Phones for Soldiers provides U.S. troops with a cost-free way to call home from their active stations. Your donated cellphone will be traded in for calling cards and other communications devices.

CTIA "Go Wireless, Go Green": CTIA's "Go Wireless, Go Green" website gives useful information to consumers about how they can be more environmentally responsible with your gadgets, old and new.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: You can donate your unwanted cellphones to the NCADV, which partners with Cellular Recycler for the collection of used electronics and uses proceeds from refurbished gadgets to help stop domestic violence.

PCD Donate Option: Similar to the NCADV, Personal Communication Devices' DONATE A PHONE CALL TO PROTECT campaign collects wireless phones to benefit victims of domestic violence. Refurbished cellphones are given to violence victims to use during emergencies.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Resources: The EPA's website is a great resource for anyone looking to recycle his or her gadgets, citing reasons to recycle, what to do before you donate and where to drop off your electronics.

Verizon HopeLine: Verizon's HopeLine is a program that connects survivors of domestic violence to resources while helping the environment.

4. Repurpose Gadgets Through DIY Projects

You can always give some new life to your gadgets by reusing them in different ways — lamp bases, picture frames, second screens and more. For some inspiration, check out our previous tips and tricks for repurposing tech:

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